Chickens typically have reddish-brown or orange eyes, although some breeds may exhibit variations in eye color, such as blue or green.
Chickens have surprisingly diverse eye colors that reveal fascinating insights about their genetics, health, and evolution. While most chickens have yellow or amber eyes, some breeds display rare colors from deep red to pearl gray.
Common Chicken Eye Colors
The majority of chickens have eyes in the yellow to orange spectrum. These warm hues result from pigments called pteridines and purines in the iris. Common variations include:
- Amber – The most frequent color, ranging from light yellow to deep copper
- Red-orange – Seen in some Rhode Island Reds and production breeds
- Yellow – Common in Leghorns and other light-feathered breeds
Why Most Chickens Have Yellow Eyes
The yellow-orange eye color serves an evolutionary purpose. The pigments help filter sunlight and protect the retina, similar to how chickens keep cool in hot weather. This adaptation helps chickens maintain excellent daytime vision while foraging.
Rare Chicken Eye Colors
While less common, some chickens display extraordinary eye colors:
| Color | Breeds | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown/Black | Silkies, Ayam Cemani | From melanin deposits |
| Pearl (Gray/Blue) | Game birds, some crosses | Often mistaken for Marek’s disease |
| Green | Buff Orpingtons, Easter Eggers | Most common in young chickens |
The Mystery of Blue-Eyed Chickens
True blue eyes are extremely rare in chickens. The blue appearance usually comes from:
- Light refraction in pearl-eyed birds
- Young chicks before pigment develops
- Marek’s disease (a dangerous viral infection)
According to poultry experts at Val-Co, chickens’ unique eye structure gives them 300-degree vision and the ability to see ultraviolet light.
How Eye Color Changes
Chicken eye color isn’t always permanent. Several factors can cause changes:
Age-Related Changes
Many chicks hatch with blue-gray eyes that darken to yellow or orange by 6-8 weeks. Some breeds like Ayam Cemani develop darker eyes as they mature.
Health Indicators
Watch for these concerning changes:
- Cloudy gray – Possible Marek’s disease
- Dull yellow – Nutritional deficiency
- Red streaks – Injury or infection
Chicken Vision Capabilities
Beyond color, chickens have remarkable visual abilities:
- See ultraviolet light (helps find food and mates)
- Each eye works independently
- Can detect subtle movements better than humans
Research from Backyard Chickens shows that a chicken’s left eye specializes in distant focus while the right eye handles close-up tasks.
Breed-Specific Eye Colors
Some breeds have characteristic eye colors:
- Silkies – Dark brown to black
- Leghorns – Bright yellow
- Rhode Island Reds – Red-orange
- Easter Eggers – Often green or hazel
These differences help breeders maintain standards and identify purebred stock. Eye color can even hint at what color eggs a chicken will lay in some cases.